13 Days in N. India - What to cut and where to relax?

IndiaTrip09

Hello,

We are visiting India for the first time this December/January and have come up with the following initial draft itinerary:

Day Date City
1 - Arrive 26-Dec, DEL at 10pm
2 - Sun 27-Dec Delhi
3 - Mon 28-Dec Delhi
4 - Tues 29-Dec Varanasi
5 - Wed 30-Dec Khajuraho?
6 - Thurs 31-Dec Khajuraho?
7 - Fri 1-Jan Orchha/Gwalior?
8 - Sat 2-Jan Agra
9 - Sun 3-Jan Agra
10- Mon 4-Jan Jaipur
11- Tues 5-Jan Jaipur
12- Wed 6-Jan Jodhpur
13- Thurs 7-Jan Udaipur
14- Depart DEL at 12:55am

I'm on the fence about Khajuraho/Orchha/Gwalior. I know this is totally subjective, but are they "worth it?" I am tempted fly from Varanasi straight to Agra and spend more time in Jaipur or Udaipur, as I'd like to end the trip with a splurge and relax at a romantic hotel/resort.

I really prefer to travel independently and not join a tour group, but I am feeling particularly overwhelmed now making these decisions! Thank you in advance for any advice!

vonkla

[
My, indeed subjective, ideas.
Skip Khajuraho and Jaipur.
Go from Varanasi to Jhansi to visit Orchha and from Agra straight to Jodhpur.

Something else, it is peak time so don't wait to long for booking trains

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